He told those gathered, “UKIP is in a much stronger position today than it has ever been, and I am rightly proud of that fact, and the role my ego has played in getting us to this point.

“But it is only right that I now step back to give my ego the time and dedication it truly needs in the coming months and years – especially as opportunities for anti-immigration media mouthpieces will no doubt grow exponentially, and my ego and I must prepare for that.